De Bruyne late hero for City slickers

Manchester City 2-1 Sevilla

Kevin De Bruyne struck an injury-time winner as Manchester City came from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League.

City had looked to be labouring to another unconvincing result in the competition, with only an Adil Rami own goal after Yevhen Konoplyanka's earlier strike saving them from possible defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

But as the game moved into four minutes of added time, De Bruyne raced on to a Yaya Toure through-ball and guided a shot into the bottom corner. The goal transformed the mood at a hitherto subdued ground, with the even later introduction of Vincent Kompany off the bench further lifting fans.

Manuel Pellegrini's decision to leave Kompany on the bench for a second successive game was one of the night's major talking points.

Pellegrini has not started his captain since expressing frustration at his recent appearance for Belgium after a spell out injured.

City did create numerous chances but lacked the composure of the visitors, who also hit the woodwork through Konoplyanka.

Some of City's better moments came early on and Jesus Navas, hoping to his mark against his home-town club, had the first opportunity of the night with a well-struck shot from distance.

De Bruyne then teed up Toure with a good ball into the box but the midfielder missed the ball and Bony's consequent effort lacked power. De Bruyne also shot across goal but, despite these chances, City spent most of the first half on the back foot.

Konoplyanka was the obvious dangerman and he smashed a free-kick against the post before Joe Hart saved Grzegorz Krychowiak's follow-up strike.

City had to rely on counter-attacks and Navas might have done better with one opportunity in front of goal before Yaya Toure saw a shot deflected over.

The home defence was cut open time after time and it eventually caught up with them as Vitolo squared for Konoplyanka to fire home after 30 minutes.

City did produce a good response and they levelled within six minutes. Toure drove to the byline and pulled the ball back across goal. Raheem Sterling's shot was saved but Bony reacted quickly to the rebound and the ball was deflected in off Rami.

But despite the leveller, City continued to look vulnerable with Vicente Iborra heading over a good chance before the break and Kevin Gameiro similarly wasting an even better chance after the restart.

The second half was more subdued than the first but it concluded in excitement when Toure forced a good save and De Bruyne then had the final say.